By Priscilla Osaje
The Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the Nigerian-German Investment and Cultural Expo (NGICE 2026) in Berlin has described the expo as a strategic platform for advancing the objectives of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The committee said the expo would help in attracting foreign direct investment, strengthening bilateral economic ties, and creating new opportunities for business growth.
Amb. Chielo Ojirika, the Coordinator of NGICE 2026 and Nigerian Cultural Ambassador to Germany, said this on Thursday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.
NAN reports that President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda drives investment and cultural development through sweeping macroeconomic reforms, expanded infrastructure, and the elevation of Nigeria’s creative economy.
The administration targets economic diversification, aiming to reach a one trillion dollar economy and generate over 100 billion dollars from the creative and tourism sectors by 2030.
Ojirika said the 2026 NGICE, chaired by the former Inspector General of Police, Sir Mike Okiro, would also help in bringing together investors, government officials, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders from both countries.
According to him, the expo will facilitate partnerships in key sectors such as manufacturing, renewable energy, agriculture, technology, healthcare, and infrastructure.
“Increased investment in these sectors can stimulate economic expansion, improve productivity, and generate employment opportunities for Nigerians.
“This upcoming expo can also support the Renewed Hope Agenda’s focus on industrialization and economic diversification.
“Germany’s globally recognised expertise in engineering, industrial production, vocational training, and green technology offers valuable opportunities for knowledge transfer and capacity building.
“Through investment agreements, business networking sessions, and technology showcases, Nigerian businesses can gain access to innovative solutions that enhance competitiveness, improve local production capacity, and reduce dependence on imports.
“Another important contribution of the expo is its potential to empower small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which are vital drivers of Nigeria’s economy.
“By connecting Nigerian entrepreneurs with German investors, development institutions, and business support organizations, the event can open access to finance, international markets, and technical expertise.
“This aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda’s commitment to fostering inclusive economic growth and supporting youth and women-led enterprises across the country.”
Ojirika, who is also known as Chiboy D’Black Courage, said beyond economic benefits, the cultural component of the expo can strengthen people-to-people relations between Nigeria and Germany.
“Cultural exhibitions, artistic performances, educational exchanges, and tourism promotion can deepen mutual understanding and encourage collaboration in the creative industries.
“Such engagement can enhance Nigeria’s global image, attract tourism, and create additional opportunities for cultural exports, contributing to economic development while celebrating Nigeria’s rich heritage.
“Ultimately, the Nigeria–German Investment and Cultural Expo can become a catalyst for sustainable development by combining investment promotion with cultural diplomacy.
“Its outcomes can contribute directly to the Renewed Hope Agenda’s goals of economic growth, job creation, human capital development, and international partnerships.
“By leveraging Germany’s investment potential and technological expertise while showcasing Nigeria’s economic opportunities and cultural strengths, the expo can help build a more prosperous, globally connected, and resilient Nigerian economy.”
The coordinator said the NGICE team under the chairmanship of former IGP Mike Okiro had been partnering with the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) and other relevant government’s Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
“The NGICE team had earlier visited the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume, the former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, as well as the current Minister, Amb. Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu, the German Ambassador to Nigeria, Amb. Annette Gunter and other top officials.
“Recently, NGICE signed an Memorandum of Understanding with Catholic Television of Nigeria (CTV) to promote Nigerian-German investment, cultural activities to the global community.
“These became necessary as the SGF would lead the NGICE delegation to showcase Nigeria’s investment opportunities and cultural heritage in Berlin.”
Ojirika commended the Federal Government through the OSGF for supporting the initiative during his recent meeting to Dr Bekearedebo Augusta Warrens, the Permanent Secretary, Political and Economic Affairs, OSGF.
He urged the government to fast track the expo preparations in order to realise its desired objectives.
He also tasked Nigerians to contribute to the development of Nigeria, citing his experience in Germany where German citizens think of what to do to make their country prosper, adding that that informed NGICE under Public Private Partnership initiative.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Deji Abdulwahab